Can Money Buy Happiness?

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We’re supposed to say no but, according to a recent Gallup World survey, most people think money can buy happiness:

“Pulling in the big bucks makes people more likely to say they are happy with their lives overall—whether they are young or old, male or female, or living in cities or remote villages, the survey of more than 136,000 people in 132 countries found.”

But this may have more to do with our perception of how we think people with more money that us should feel and act:

“…people may initially define their happiness by income because they are comparing themselves to the ubiquitous Joneses…But here’s something to consider: Many of the people you envy for their outward appearance of wealth are probably just as jammed up with debt as you are – or a paycheck away from being broke.”

So our answer to the “money and happiness” question may be based more on what we think money will do for us at some point in the future rather than how money actually affects us today. And all based on the perception of someone else. It truly is about keeping up with the Joneses.

What do you think? Has your current income bought you any happiness? Are you trying to keep up with a lifestyle you don’t want or enjoy?